RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Research ethics committees: the role of ethics in a regulatory authority
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 695
OP 700
DO 10.1136/jme.2007.021089
VO 34
IS 9
A1 McGuinness, S
YR 2008
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/34/9/695.abstract
AB This paper is an examination of how research ethics committees have evolved from being advisory committees to more formal regulatory authorities. It is argued that the role of ethics committees should be broader than simple ethical review. Inconsistency in outcome should not be taken to signal failure. Procedural fairness is of the utmost importance. Nor should ethics committees be seen to diminish the ethical responsibilities of researchers themselves.